Big win boosts Jamaica Under-17’s World Cup hopes

Jamaica whipped Trinidad and Tobago 5-1 in Group A of the CONCACF Under-17 Championship in Honduras yesterday, boosting their chances of a play-off spot in the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Chile.

Substitute Tajea Brown led the way for the Andrew Edwards-coached Jamaica team with a brace in the 80th and 85th minutes. Peter-Lee Vassell (39th), Nathaniel Adamolekun (45+) and Donovan Dawkins (90th) scored the other goals. Noah Powder netted for Trinidad and Tobago in the 44th minute.

third to seven points

Jamaica moved third to seven points from four games, behind leaders USA (nine) and hosts Honduras (seven). They were followed by Guatemala (four), Cuba (three) and T&T (0). In a late match, the USA played Honduras.

The tournament will determine the four CONCACAF representatives at the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Chile. The two group winners qualify automatically for the final and World Cup, while the runners-up and third-placed teams from the two groups will play off for the last two CONCACAF slots at the World Cup.

pleased with the result

"Naturally, I am pleased with the result over Trinidad and Tobago," said Captain Horace Burrell, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president. "But we still have a long way to go.

"Congratulations to the youngsters and coaching staff," Burrell told The Gleaner yesterday.

Jamaica will next play USA in the final preliminary game, and he urged the team to concentrate.

"Everyone has to keep focused because there is still a long way to go, a lot of work to do. We are happy for the win, but taking it in strides," he insisted.

"This very convincing victory will give the unit a boost going forward. United States, of all the teams, are the most experienced, along with Mexico. I have confidence in our players that they will do their best and we will continue to support and encourage them," the JFF boss said.